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'The Cedar Tree,' a Poem by Richard Walker for National Poetry Month

I understand why the Peoplein the Northwestsay the canoe is sacred,that the canoe has a spirit.

We know that a cedar treecan tell us by its ringswhen salmon runs were big,

when bears and eagles

and wolves feasted on salmon,and left the carcassesnear the trees,

and the carcasses decayed, andthe nutrients went into the soil,and into the roots of the trees.

And what else do we know, but perhapsthis tree grew where an Ancestorhad been buried,

that the Ancestor fed the tree, thatthe Ancestor’s flesh became the tree’sflesh, that the Ancestor’s bloodbecame the tree’s sap?

And what else do we know, but thatThis tree continued the life,growing to great heights,providing shelter for birds andother animals,

providing bark fiber for clothing,and for fishing nets,

providing bark fiber for basketsin which to collect berries or cook shellfish,fine woven baskets that are passed frommother to daughter, and from grandmotherto granddaughter?

And when the tree’s time was done,it was felled,and became a canoe,

a seagoing canoe that carried the Peopleon waters the Ancestor knew,

carried the People to gatherings andsacred ceremonies.

And what else do we know, but perhaps thesong that comes out on the water to a pullerin the canoeis a song from the Ancestor,

a song of thanks for continuing thecircle of life,and respecting the interconnectednessof all living things,

a song of thanks for respectingthe sacredness of life?

Richard Walker, Mexican/Yaqui, is a newspaper editor in Kitsap County, Washington, and is a correspondent for Indian Country Today Media Network. This poem was included in his chapbook, "The Journey Home" (Red Bird Chapbooks, 2012, www.redbirdchapbooks.com).

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Hello wow is all I can say at the moment . I find it mind blowing that I would actually find another by the name "Richard Walker". The reason is that I am a singer songwriter so we share the same gift. I write gospel songs and record them, I own a multi track digital recording studio. May the good Lord bless you and keep you amen.